Periodontics in West Palm Beach

The early stages of gum disease are characterized by red, swollen gums, and bleeding upon flossing or brushing. At this gingivitis stage, gum disease can be corrected with treatment, and you can avoid risking permanent damage to your gums.

If gingivitis is untreated, the infection can advance to a more serious stage called periodontitis. Periodontitis further attacks the soft tissue around the teeth and destroys the bone and ligaments that hold teeth in place. With weakened bone and ligaments, teeth become loose, move around, and eventually fall out.

If you have periodontitis, your dentist may recommend that you seek services related to periodontics in West Palm Beach. A periodontist is a gum expert who has completed dental school as well as an additional two or three years of periodontal training. They are adept at managing gum disease as well as performing cosmetic procedures like gum contouring and dental health procedures, such as dental implant placement and repair.

Don’t wait too long to seek treatment if you have inflamed, infected gums. Schedule an appointment today by calling us at (561) 232-6896.

What Diseases Are Treated by a Periodontist?

Specializing in diseases and conditions that affect the soft tissue of the gums, a gum disease specialist offers a variety of periodontal services. For your information, we list a few of the most common gum disease expert services provided by a periodontics office.

Periodontal disease treatment

The root cause of periodontal disease is the sticky plaque build-up that allows bacteria to attack tooth enamel and soft gum tissue. If left untreated, that bacteria-laden plaque breaks down the ligaments and jawbone that keep teeth in place. To help patients avoid losing their natural teeth due to gum disease, your periodontist in West Palm Beach may provide a number of different treatments that are designed to eliminate plaque, save your natural teeth, and restore gum health.

Dental Implant Placement

If you have lost one or more teeth, you may be considering a dental implant. Dental implants are actually a good option to help prevent the negative side effects of tooth loss. A dental implant is inserted into the jawbone, mimicking a tooth’s roots. The implant is a secure base for dentures, bridges, or crowns, depending on how many teeth are being replaced. In addition to being natural-looking, strong and durable, implants help patients preserve jaw strength, maintain their appearance, reduce premature wrinkling around the mouth, and prevent surrounding teeth from moving out of position.

Crown Lengthening

Excess gum tissue and tooth bone are reshaped during a crown lengthening procedure. This process exposes more of the natural tooth so that a replacement crown can be fitted over the natural tooth, or to allow the attachment of a partial denture or orthodontic bracket. It can also be a cosmetic procedure for those patients who have too much gum tissue covering their teeth. The procedure is common and can usually be completed within an hour, depending on how many teeth are being treated.

Gummy Smile Surgery

Studies show that smiling improves your mood, but if you feel like you have a gummy smile, you may not feel confident in sharing your smile with the world. Our periodontist can reform your smile by reshaping your gum tissue. This allows more of your teeth to show when you smile and gives you a more flattering gum line.

Soft tissue graft/Gum graft

If gum recession is exposing your tooth roots and causing tooth sensitivity, gum grafting may be right for you. During the procedure, your periodontist can take tissue from one area like your palate and graft it over the exposed tooth roots. The procedure can also help spur the development of gum tissue where it is needed, creating a healthier, more appealing smile.

Oral pathology and oral cancer diagnosis

An increasing number of people are diagnosed with oral cancer each year, and there’s a significant rise in oral cancers related to HPV infection. Getting an accurate diagnosis is important, so our periodontist will take tissue samples for lab analysis and discuss treatment options with you if oral cancer is diagnosed.

We want you to stay comfortable whether you’re undergoing a gum graft procedure or a dental implant. To help ensure your comfort, a gum disease specialist can provide you with several sedation options, such as laughing gas or IV sedation.

Schedule a Consultation with a Gum Disease Expert Today in West Palm Beach

Your gum disease won’t improve on its own; it needs specialized care from our gum disease specialists at Dental Specialty Center of Forest Hill. We make it easy and convenient for you to pursue healthier gums, brighter smiles, and better oral health with a quick call to us at (561) 232-6896. We’ll schedule you with our experienced periodontist in West Palm Beach, so that you can get back on the path to excellent oral health.